24 hour curfew re-imposed in Kaduna state

Channels Television  
Updated June 19, 2012

The Kaduna state government has re-imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the troubled state as renewed violence erupted in the state, Tuesday morning.

Sporadic gunshots were heard in the city, morning as some youths took to the streets burning tyres and allegedly destroying a Church.

Unconfirmed reports has it that violent protests has spread across the city in areas such as Malali, Trikania, Kabala West, Ungwan Shanu, Ungwan Rimi, Ungwa Romi, Kakuri, Tundun Wada, Barnawa, Rigasa and Gonin Gora.

A statement by the media adviser to the state governor stated that “in view of certain new security challenges that came up today, and based on the need for the state government to continue with its responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of it citizens, the state government is hereby re- imposing a 24 hours curfew in all parts of the state.”

Adding that the 24 hour curfew is across the entire state, the statement read that “this curfew covers all the 23 LGs of d state. As unpalatable as this decision is the state government is doing it in the best interest of d state.”

“Consequently, everybody is strongly advise to go back home now, while security agencies continue with the task of ensuring total peace in the state” the statement concluded.

This is coming two days after suicide bomb attack on four churches and reprisals attacks claimed 52 lives in the state.

An initial 24 hour curfew in the state, was on Monday, relaxed to 12-hours, following the return to normalcy after the bomb blasts on Sunday.

“They are out on the streets, burning tyres and shooting. They burned a church,” alleged a resident, who only gave his first name, Suleiman, for fear of reprisals. He said he was caught up in the crowd on his way back home.

A similar 24 hour curfew was earlier in the day imposed in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, after gun feuds between Boko haram members and security forces left the state perplexed on Monday evening.

65 people were killed in coordinated attacks claimed by Boko Haram on churches, mosques and police stations in Damaturu.